Are The Contras Returning To Nicaragua?

In Nicaragua, A Return Of The Contras? -- Christian Science Monitor

A former commando known as 'Comandante Jahob' says he is rearming a group of contras to oppose the reelection of President Daniel Ortega. Former contra leaders and ex-military intelligence tell the Monitor it would be a mistake for the military to dismiss the threat.

Hidden somewhere in the rugged mountains of Estelí, in northern Nicaragua, a former contra commando with CIA training says he’s organizing an armed rebellion against President Daniel Ortega.

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My Comment: With no outside support from the U.S. or any other organization, this 'movement' will have zero impact once their resources are dried up.

A Nicaragua - Narco Connection?

Daniel Ortega, pictured centre in 1990, gave drug traffickers protection, a former colonel claims

Nicaragua Accused Of Helping Colombian Drug Lords To Establish Trafficking Routes -- Times Online

The head of the Sandinista Government in Nicaragua protected one of the world’s top drug barons and helped him to establish trafficking routes through the country, a former high-ranking officer has claimed. During the 1980s Daniel Ortega, the revolutionary leader and current President, gave Pablo Escobar, the head of Colombia’s Medellín cartel, access to drug corridors as well as sanctuary and a military guard, according to the allegations.

Cuba and Panama, then led by Fidel Castro and Manuel Noriega, are also said to have participated in the deal, with Panama acting as a financial and money-laundering centre and Cuba protecting shipments.

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My Comment: Memo to The Times .... every country (and many government officials) in Latin America are involved in some capacity in the narco trade.

Nicargua's Sandinistas Mark 30 Years Since Their Revolution

Sandinista supporters celebrate a party event in June. Although loyalists still abound, many leaders have parted company with President Daniel Ortega, who helped lead the revolution and returned to power in 2006. Esteban Felix / Associated Press

From McClatchy News:

MANAGUA — Roberto Martinez, an 18-year-old law school dropout, clutched his Belgium-made FAL assault rifle and hunkered down between two rocks to avoid getting shot in the crossfire.

He had been separated from his Sandinista rebel unit on the dark hillside and didn't know if the bullets whizzing over his head were ''friendly'' or hostile.

''It was real — I was going to die,'' Martinez recalls of his first combat experience 30 years ago against Nicaragua's dreaded National Guard. 'I started thinking: 'I'm young; I haven't even had a girlfriend or enjoyed life.' The last thing I was was a warrior — I was just trying not to be a victim.''

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More News On Nicaragua

Many Nicaragua revolutionaries feel betrayed by the revolution -- L.A. Times
Nicaragua marks 30 years since Sandinista revolution -- Times Of India
Nicaragua's revolutionary legacy -- BBC
Nicaragua: Where Every Day is Christmas -- Time Magazine
The End of Illusions -- Times Online opinion